Riot-hit retailers thrown 'lifeline' by David Cameron

Retailers have backed emergency measures which throw a "lifeline" to
businesses struggling to cope in the aftermath of riots.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents about 90pc of retailers, said the Government's retail rescue package provided the support many shops needed to get back on their feet.

Announced by David Cameron in parliament yesterday, the measures include a temporary suspension of council tax and business rates for seriously affected premises, extending deadlines for insurance claims from 14 to 42 days and a £20m high street support scheme, which can be used to replace equipment, clean-up premises and cover costs of temporary accommodation.

The Prime Minister said stores with inadequate insurance would have access to compensation.

Stephen Robertson, director-general of the BRC, said the rescue package was a "lifeline" to many small businesses.

He said: "The Prime Minister has listened to our pleas and satisfied the majority of them. The mindless damage done to shops over the past few days is in effect mindless damage to our communities. The Government has shown great willingness to work with retailers to put our streets back together."